The federalist point of view resembled that of the later constitutional liberals in France.

The political ideal and benefit which they prized most highly was that of liberty, and the Constitution was framed chiefly for the purpose of securing liberty from any possible dangers.

Popular liberty must be protected against possible administrative or executive tyranny by free representative institutions.

Individual liberty must be protected against the action of an unjust majority by the strongest possible legal guarantees.

And above all the general liberties of the community must not be endangered by any inefficiency of the government as a whole.